# Computing Resources on the STFC DiRAC HPC Facility (RAC19)

**Funder:** STFC
**Deadline:** 17 September 2026 (4:00pm UK time)
**Duration:** Up to 12 months (short proposals) or up to 3 years (thematic proposals)
**Consortium:** No
**Application:** Single stage
**Eligible countries:** GB
**Official call:** https://www.ukri.org/opportunity/computing-resources-on-the-stfc-dirac-hpc-facility-rac19/
**Last verified:** 12 July 2026

## Eligibility & scope

Open to STFC theory community members (particle physics, nuclear physics, astrophysics, cosmology, etc.) for HPC computing time on DiRAC facilities. Applicants must be UK-resident or employed by an STFC-approved overseas organisation. Early-career researchers including postdocs and PhD students are eligible as project lead. Awards computing time, not cash funding.

## Summary

The STFC DiRAC HPC Facility allocates computing time on high-performance clusters for STFC theory community researchers working in particle physics, nuclear physics, astrophysics, and cosmology. Early-career researchers including postdoctoral fellows and PhD students may apply as project leads. Awards are measured in computing hours rather than cash funding, with short proposals eligible for up to 12 months and thematic proposals for up to 3 years.

## Who should apply

- Particle physicists, nuclear physicists, astrophysicists and cosmologists in the STFC theory community
- UK-resident researchers or employees of STFC-approved overseas organisations
- Early-career researchers including postdoctoral fellows and PhD students eligible as project leads
- Researchers requiring significant computational resources for simulations and data analysis

## Key dates

- Deadline 17 September 2026 at 4:00pm UK time
- Single-stage application
- Awards up to 12 months (short proposals) or up to 3 years (thematic proposals)

## Tips for applicants

- Articulate your computational bottleneck clearly; the review panel assesses scientific impact per CPU-hour, not just novelty.
- Thematic proposals are competitive, include strong institutional support and a multi-year science narrative to justify the longer duration.
- Early-career applicants should emphasise independence and name a senior mentor for guidance without diluting credit for the proposed work.

## Frequently asked questions

### What does the STFC DiRAC HPC allocation fund?

It allocates computing time on DiRAC high-performance clusters, not cash. Awards are measured in compute hours available for simulations and data analysis.

### Can PhD students apply to the STFC DiRAC allocation?

Yes, PhD students and postdoctoral fellows are eligible to apply as project leads.

### How long can an STFC DiRAC computing allocation last?

Short proposals are eligible for up to 12 months; thematic proposals can be awarded for up to 3 years.

### Who is eligible to apply for STFC DiRAC computing time?

Members of the STFC theory community (particle physics, nuclear physics, astrophysics, cosmology) who are UK-resident or employed by an STFC-approved overseas organisation.

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Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/stfc-computing-resources-on-the-stfc-dirac-hpc-facility-2026-09) — EU grant monitoring for academic researchers. Always verify details on the funder's website before applying.

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